Light hiking and tea picking in the tea country, exploring the mysteries of the oxygen-rich reservoir.

Longwu’s tea hills give this short outing a simple pleasure: you get to pick tea leaves, then walk through the fields where Longjing tea grows. I like the hands-on start, which gives the tea tasting some context, and the easy 2.5-kilometer route to Guangming Temple Reservoir, with mountain and tea-garden views.

The catch is that this is a lightly guided, partly self-guided outing, not a polished, continuous tour. The route map can be confusing, and some versions include a café stop away from the main tea area. Go for fresh air and local tea, not a tightly managed sightseeing schedule.

At a glance: tea picking, a short hike, and tea

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• Pick tea in Longwu: Try the basic motions of gathering leaves in a tea village known for West Lake Longjing.
• Walk about 2.5 kilometers: The route is rated easy, with roughly 90 percent of the path made up of flat stone steps.
• See Guangming Temple Reservoir: The trail reaches a viewpoint above the reservoir, framed by hills and tea gardens.
• Expect to navigate independently: You receive a route map and walk the route on your own, with help from the organizers along the way.
• Choose a package carefully: The two-hour options range from a lighter tea-picking and tasting outing to a version with a meal and tea-frying activity.
• Plan for the weather: Summer heat can make even an easy walk uncomfortable, so bring suitable shoes and dress for the conditions.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Tours In Hangzhou

Starting with tea in Longwu

Longwu Tea Town sits about 12 kilometers from West Lake and is one of the main growing areas for West Lake Longjing. The setting is more rural than central Hangzhou, with tea fields spreading across the hills around the village. This outing gives you a brief, practical introduction to that working tea country rather than a long lesson in tea history.

The host, Yuanyuan, describes herself as a mid-level tea artist and senior tea connoisseur. She came to Longwu more than a decade ago and has since worked to connect local tea culture with rural tourism. Other hosts may lead your visit. Names that have appeared on outings include Miss Lilly and Miss Wang, but you should not assume a particular person will be there.

The tea-picking portion is short. One participant described picking for about 15 minutes before learning how the leaves are dried; the light-luxury package may also include watching or trying the tea-frying process. That is enough to make the leaf-to-cup connection more tangible, but not enough to train you as a tea maker. Think of it as an introduction, not a workshop.

A basket and hat are part of the experience described for the tea-picking activity. You’ll have a chance to handle the leaves and see the tea plants close up. If you visit outside the spring picking season, the exact experience may differ, so check with the host about what is available on your date.

Following the map toward Guangming Temple Reservoir

After tea picking, you receive a customized route map and set off on the walk. The route crosses a small stream and follows a trail through the tea hills toward Guangming Temple Reservoir. You are not simply following a guide in a group, so the map matters: take a moment to understand the route before leaving the host’s space, and keep the organizer’s contact details handy.

The walk covers about 2.5 kilometers round trip and is described as easy, with only a slight climb and little risk of slippery or steep sections in normal conditions. About 90 percent of the route is flat stone steps. That makes it a reasonable choice for beginners and families who want a country walk without committing to a strenuous hike. It is still a walk, though, and heat, rain, or tired legs can change how easy it feels.

The reward is the view from above Guangming Temple Reservoir. From the high point, you can see the water surrounded by hills and tea gardens. The reservoir is the outing’s visual centerpiece, and the walk gives you a quiet stretch away from the city’s busy streets. The area is promoted for its clean air and high concentration of negative oxygen ions, but treat that as a description of the setting, not a measured health benefit.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and clothes you can move in. The route’s stone steps are manageable, but sandals or slick soles are a poor match for a hillside walk. Summer visitors have found the heat intense, so the 09:00 departure is worth considering if you prefer to walk before the day warms up. A 16:30 departure is also offered, with the return time listed as 18:30.

Tea by the water, then a market stop

The route descends toward the reservoir dam and a local market area called He Ni Jian Wei Lai. There, the experience includes tea at a stall, followed by time to look around and take photos. This pause is useful after the walk: you can sit down, taste tea in the place it comes from, and enjoy the rural setting rather than rush straight back.

The itinerary also includes a small afternoon-tea choice, described as a snack or coffee. The exact food can change with the season and ingredient availability. If you are expecting a full meal, check which package you have booked. The lighter option should be treated as a refreshment stop, not lunch.

Some versions of the route have included a stop referred to as the Bunny Hotel, where coffee is ordered at the counter. Its position and role in the outing have not always felt clear to participants, and at least one person found it inconvenient to reach without a taxi. Because the route and final stop may vary, ask the host in advance where the walk ends and whether you will need separate transport. That small check can prevent a pleasant country walk from ending with a scramble to find a ride.

Choosing the package that fits your day

The Lite Tea Picking, Hiking, and Tea Tasting Experience takes two hours. It suits you if you want to pick a few leaves, walk through the tea hills, taste tea, and keep the outing short. Its advertised starting price is about US$17.69, while the experience summary also shows a starting price of US$19.45. Prices can vary, so use the amount shown for your date and package when you book.

The Light Luxury option also takes two hours and includes a meal and tea-frying activity. It costs more, with prices starting around US$41.95. This version may make better sense if you want a fuller food-and-tea experience and more explanation of how the leaves are prepared. The extra cost is harder to justify if your priority is simply the walk and reservoir view.

A longer four-hour option combines handmade incense, a tea-mountain hike with a meal, and a stove tea ceremony. It starts around US$66.39. This is a different commitment, not just a slightly upgraded two-hour walk, so check the details and timing before choosing it.

The basic package can be good value when you want a low-cost taste of Longwu and do not need a full-day excursion. It is less compelling if you have limited time in Hangzhou and expect every stop to be a substantial activity. The hike, tea picking, and tasting are the core; the café and market elements may feel like extras rather than destinations in their own right.

What the hosts add, and where the experience can wobble

The most appealing part of the outing is its local scale. Tea picking gives you something to do with your hands, and the walk links the village to the fields and reservoir instead of keeping you inside a tea shop. The hosts have also helped with practical matters such as navigating Chinese apps, and some have provided support when a participant lost the route. That personal help can matter when you are outside central Hangzhou.

English-speaking staff are included, but the level of English may vary. One participant found communication less smooth than expected, while others had clear exchanges with their host. If detailed explanations of tea-making are important to you, confirm in advance that someone can explain the process in English on your chosen date.

The self-guided format has advantages and drawbacks. You can walk at your own pace and linger for photos, but you also need to pay attention to the map and the sequence of stops. The map has been confusing for some, and the route has not always felt well organized. Keep the host’s number accessible and ask for a clear explanation of the return route before setting out.

Food is another area where expectations matter. The meal included with the light-luxury option has been described as enjoyable, though it may not suit every appetite or dietary preference. The basic package’s refreshments are modest. If you need a substantial lunch or have dietary needs, ask what will be served rather than assuming the word afternoon tea means a full spread.

Timing, transport, and practical details

The meeting point is in Longwu Town, and the start time is confirmed after booking. The offered departures are 09:00 and 16:30, with returns listed at 11:00 and 18:30 respectively. Arrive five minutes early. The experience lasts about two hours, but the schedule can change with weather and traffic.

Longwu is outside central Hangzhou, though it is only about 12 kilometers from West Lake. The information provided does not specify a standard transfer from a hotel, so arrange your own transport to the meeting point unless the host confirms otherwise. Ask where the outing ends, too, particularly if your package includes the café stop.

Children and infants must be included in the passenger count. The activity is described as suitable for families and beginners, but you should judge the walk against your own group’s comfort with stone steps and outdoor conditions. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

The voucher is valid only for the date and time booked. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, with exceptions for certain booking types. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date. In extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the operator may cancel and offer a reschedule or full refund.

Who should book this Longwu outing?

Book it if you want a short break from Hangzhou’s city sights and like the idea of pairing a simple tea activity with a gentle walk. It is especially suited to beginners, families who are comfortable on steps, and visitors curious about Longjing tea but not looking for a formal tasting course. The reservoir view and quieter tea-growing setting are the strongest reasons to make the trip.

Skip it if you expect a highly structured guided tour, extensive tea instruction, or a guaranteed full meal in the basic package. It may also be a poor fit if you have little time in Hangzhou and would rather visit a more established attraction without uncertain route details. Before paying, confirm the package inclusions, the language support, the final stop, and how you will return. With those details clear, the Lite option offers an affordable taste of tea-country life; for a more complete food and tea experience, choose the light-luxury package.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The Lite and Light Luxury experiences are both listed as two hours. A separate option combining incense, a hike, a meal, and a stove tea ceremony lasts four hours.

How far is the walk?

The round trip is about 2.5 kilometers. The route is described as easy, with about 90 percent of the path made up of flat stone steps.

What time can I start?

The listed departure times are 09:00 and 16:30. The exact time is confirmed after booking, and you should arrive five minutes before departure.

Is tea picking included?

Yes. The experience includes a tea-picking activity with a basket and hat. The picking portion is short, and what you learn about processing may depend on the package.

Is there food or coffee?

Refreshments and snacks are included. The Lite package offers a choice of snack or coffee at the afternoon-tea stop. The Light Luxury option includes a meal and tea-frying activity.

Is English-language help available?

English-speaking staff are included, along with Chinese-speaking staff. English fluency may vary, so confirm with the host if detailed English explanations are important to you.

What happens if the weather is extreme?

The operator may cancel because of extreme weather or other unforeseen events. You can then request a reschedule or a full refund.